PRESS RELEASE: New Mexico offers up to $80K in loan relief for rural veterinarians��

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Auriella Ortiz

Auriella.Ortiz@hed.nm.gov

(505) 467-9605

October 6, 2025

New Mexico offers up to $80K in loan relief for rural veterinarians

SANTA FE – New Mexico veterinarians can now apply for up to $80,000 in student loan repayment through a new state program aimed at expanding animal care in rural communities.

The Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program , signed into law this year by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, offers debt relief to veterinarians who commit to working in underserved areas for at least four years. Applications opened Oct. 1 and will be accepted through Nov. 1 at 11:59 p.m.

"Many New Mexicans, especially in rural areas, lack access to veterinary care, said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez . This program helps fill that gap while supporting livestock health, food production, and rural communities statewide."

More information about the program, including eligibility information and how to apply, can be found on the New Mexico Higher Education Department's website .

Rural communities are often underserved in veterinary services, which can impact both animal welfare and public safety. The new program compounds the New Mexico Higher Education Department’s existing portfolio of student loan repayments for workers who commit to working in New Mexico, which includes loan repayment schedules for teachers, health professionals and others in high-priority fields.

“This program is a great first step in New Mexico supporting our rural veterinary community, said Dr. Samantha Holeck , New Mexico State Veterinarian. Veterinarians are crucial to the health of our animals and the security of our food supply. This program will support the recruitment and retention of veterinarians in areas of dire need.”

For more information about other loan repayment programs in New Mexico, visit hed.nm.gov or call the state’s Financial Aid Help Line at 1-800-279-9777.

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The New Mexico Higher Education Department was established in 2005 and oversees the state’s public and tribal colleges, universities and special schools. It also oversees adult education and literacy programs statewide, manages state-funded financial aid programs and capital projects for higher education institutions, provides college readiness services via the GEAR UP program, and grants state authorization to private colleges operating within New Mexico. For more information, visit hed.nm.gov or follow us on Facebook , Instagram and LinkedIn at @NMHigherEd. To learn more about tuition-free college via New Mexico’s Opportunity and Lottery scholarships, visit reachhighernm.com .